Processed plant-based foods that are considered nutritious are actually the enemy of health

Until now we believed that a plant-based diet is a great way to stay healthy, but a recent study has changed this perception a bit. According to this research, highly processed plant-based food can increase the risk of heart disease and premature death.

This study, based on data from the UK Biobank, has been published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe journal. Researchers analyzed the diet and health records of more than 1.18 lakh people aged 40 to 69 years. The study found that people who consumed more plant-based processed food had a 5% higher risk of heart disease and a 13% higher risk of death.

Dr. Claire Marie Stacey, the lead author of this study, says that our study has found that the intake of processed plant-based foods is associated with the risk of heart disease and death. However, it is important to note that overall, a plant-based diet is still a great way to stay healthy. So then the question arises, what are these processed plant-based foods, which can be harmful to us?

These are foods that have been significantly altered from their natural state. They often contain added sugar, salt, fat and artificial ingredients. For example, packaged fake meat, vegetable hotdogs, frozen fries packaged snacks, etc. can be considered processed plant-based foods.

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Dr. Stacey adds that these processed foods are often less nutritious than the nutrients found in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and pulses. Also, they may be high in sugar, salt and fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease. So this does not mean that you should completely give up plant-based diets. Yes, but include whole and less processed foods in your diet as much as possible. Fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts and seeds can play an important role in keeping you healthy. Minimize the intake of processed foods and give preference to fresh, natural things.